Flat fire - South Kensington

Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters tackled a fire in a flat in Cornwall Gardens, South Kensington. 

Half of a four roomed second floor flat was damaged by fire. 

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued three people using fire escape hoods. A call handler based in the Brigade's 999 control room also gave vital fire survival guidance to the occupants of the flat while crews were on their way. They were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

One person left the flat before crews arrived and was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. 

Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people. If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.

The Brigade was called at 1951 and the fire was under control by 2148. Fire Crews from Kensington, Fulham, Battersea and Hammersmith stations attended the incident. 

The fire is believed to have been caused by paper too close to an electric fire.

Firefighters’ tips for using portable heaters safely

• Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order.
• Check that your heater isn't on a recall list.
• Never install, repair or service appliances yourself. Make sure anyone who does is a registered professional.
• Don't take risks with old heaters – if it's sparking, wires are loose or if it’s showing signs of damage, replace it with a new one or get it tested and repaired by a qualified electrician.
• Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.
• Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair.
• Before attempting to move your heater, turn it off and allow it to cool first